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What is the proper code(s) for soft tissue
repair of hallux varus?
I performed the following:
- a release of the medial capsule
- release of the abductor hallucis tendon
- lateral reefing of the joint capsule.

Other messages in this thread:

How would one properly code for a hallux varus
repair consisting of
- an abductor tendon release,
- medial 1st MTPJ capsulotomy,
- tibial sesamoidectomy, and
- relocation of the EHL tendon?

Leonard Kuzmicki, DPM
Spring Valley, IL

Codingline Response: There is no single code
that encompasses all the procedures you describe
in correcting a hallux varus deformity. I
believe the most reasonable coding for these
components would be :

I would expect the relocation of the extensor
hallucis longus (EHL) tendon, and the medial 1st
metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTPJ) capsulotomy
to be incidental, and included in the above
allowances. I do not believe they should not be
billed separately.

Howard Zlotoff, DPM
Camp Hill, PA

10/29/2003 Leonard Kuzmicki, DPM

Hallux Varus Repair Coding

Query: Hallux Varus Repair Coding.

How would one properly code for a hallux varus
repair consisting of
- an abductor tendon release,
- medial 1st MTPJ capsulotomy,
- tibial sesamoidectomy, and
- relocation of the EHL tendon?

Leonard Kuzmicki, DPM
Spring Valley, IL

Codingline Response: There is no single code
that encompasses all the procedures you describe
in correcting a hallux varus deformity. I
believe the most reasonable coding for these
components would be :

I would expect the relocation of the extensor
hallucis longus (EHL) tendon, and the medial 1st
metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MTPJ) capsulotomy
to be incidental, and included in the above
allowances. I do not believe they should not be
billed separately.